'Friends' Star James Michael Tyler Has Passed Away

James Michael Tyler Dies at 59: 'Friends' Casts Pays Tribute!  

We've all binge-watched the 90s sitcom Friends at least 100 times, and it's hilariously funny and cheering every single time, but we're afraid it won't be the same next time you stream it on Netflix. James Michael Tyler, who played Gunther, the manager and waiter at coffee house Central Perk, has sadly passed away. He was 59 when he died at his LA home this Sunday. 

For Friends' hardcore fans, Gunther was the seventh friend who never received the attention he deserved. "The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh "Friend") from the hit series Friends, but Michael's loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband," Tyler's representative, Toni Benson's statement, read.   

 Tyler was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. 
Photo Source: BBC

James was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, and the last time the Friends cast got together in Friends Reunion on HBO max, Tyler attended the get-together via Zoom from his Los Angeles home. A few weeks later, Tyler revealed because he was battling cancer, he didn't want the reunion to turn out a downer by physically visiting the set. 

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"I wanted to be a part of it, and initially I was going to be on the stage, at least with them, and be able to take part in all the festivities, Tyler told Today's, Craig Melvin. He also added, "It was bittersweet, honestly. I was very happy to be included. It was my decision not to be part of that physically."    

 Aniston and others paid tribute to the late actor. 
Source: E! News

Tyler appeared in almost 150 episodes of the sitcom, which ran from 1994 to 2004. His part in the famous show was marked by his constant obsession with Rachel and his silly envy against Ross. All six friends, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, and Courteney Cox, have paid Tyler a tribute on their Instagram page.  

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